Bobby McMann's Inspiring Maple Leafs Moment – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

In a recent interview with The FAN Hockey ShowNHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared his insight on Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann. After a healthy start to the season, McMann responded with a dominant two-goal performance against the Los Angeles Kings, prompting speculation about the role the bench may have played in his resurgence.

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Friedman investigated McMann's condition. He explored how the Maple Leafs' competitive depth and coaching decisions could influence the young McMann's reaction. The interview can be seen and heard below:

Bobby McMann: Power Player

According to Friedman, McMann is a very talented player. Therefore, his strong performance against the Kings was not entirely surprising. The Maple Leafs organization showed their confidence in him by giving him a two-year contract last season. That move showed that the organization believes in his long-term value. However, the decision to scratch him in the first game of the season surprised Friedman (and many others).

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Friedman highlighted the depth on Toronto's roster during training camp. He pointed out that “many good bodies” were fighting for the place. According to him, the Maple Leafs planned to create competition among the team, pushing the players to feel the pressure and perform at the highest level. This pressure may have had an impact on McMann, who was sidelined at the start of the season. It sent him a clear message: program locations are not guaranteed.

McMann's Answer: A Strong Two-Goal Performance

After being scratched, McMann didn't let the setback get in his way. Instead, he responded with a statement scoring two goals against the Kings. Friedman credits McMann for taking the right step in his situation, saying, “What you can do when you're in that position is, 'OK, do it, and when you come back, make an impact.' that's exactly what McMann did. He proved he belongs on the Maple Leafs roster by doing just that.

Friedman compared McMann's situation to that of other Maple Leafs players. For example, Timothy Liljegren also faces intense internal competition for roster spots. This method of making players keep them standing, knowing that they have to do well to keep their place on the list.

Berube's Coaching Style: Pushing Players to Buy In

Friedman also touched on the influence of the coaching staff, especially head coach Craig Berube. He believes McMann fits the mold of a “Berube-type player.” Friedman did not mention that Berube and McMann grew up in rural Alberta, instilling both men in the same culture of fitness.

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For his part, McMann understands that buying into the program is essential to maintaining his spot on the roster. In response, Berube isn't afraid to send a message by scratching players, regardless of their past performance or strengths. In McMann's case, a healthy scratch seemed to act as a wake-up call, pushing him to raise his game.

Friedman speculated that other players on the team noticed McMann's stay on the bench. They, too, understand that one's place on the list is safe. This kind of internal competition has created an atmosphere of tension within the Leafs' roster, where every player knows they have to perform well to stay on the roster consistently.

Key: Inspiring Movement of Maple Leaves

In conclusion, McMann's healthy scratch early in the season seems to have served as a catalyst for his first game with the Kings. Friedman's analysis suggests that McMann's answer is exactly what the coaching staff is looking for: a player who doesn't sulk after being benched but instead works hard to prove his worth.

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With the Maple Leafs' deep roster and the coaching staff's willingness to bench players for continued fitness, McMann's rise could be a sign of things to come for the team. Many players are likely to feel the heat and up their game. If that happens, the goal is achieved.

Could this competitive environment lead to big changes and success for Toronto this season? Time will tell, but McMann's story certainly sets an example for the rest of the team. After four regular season games as the head coach of the Maple Leafs, Berube has a winning hockey team. That's what matters.